Sleep-related infant death is the leading cause of infant mortality, Safe Sleep Coalition reports

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

According to the Missouri Safe Sleep Coalition, sleep-related infant death is the leading cause of infant deaths.

A private daycare owner in Columbia was arrested and charged Wednesday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Sarah D. Brown, 56 was charged after allegedly putting a baby in a sleeping position that resulted in the child's death.

The Missouri Safe Sleep Coalition notes that anyone who is caring for a child should be aware of the "ABC" method when putting a child to bed both for the night, and for a nap. This refers to "A," making sure the child sleeps alone. Infants can get trapped, not be able to move their heads, or even suffocate from things like comforters and blankets.

The "B," which refers to ensuring infants are placed on their backs when put to bed. Putting infants on their backs is the safest way for them to sleep, according to the coalition. Infants should not sleep on their sides, as they could easily roll over onto their stomachs and suffocate, .

The "C" stands for putting your baby in a safety approved crib or bassinet. The baby's crib should only have a fitted sheet and not have any loose blankets or pillows inside of it, the coalition states.

According to the coalition, many infant deaths in the past were defined as Sudden Infant Death syndrome. Research now shows that a good deal of babies die from accidentally being suffocated or strangled in bed, which is preventable by following the above steps.

Mindy Bennett -- deputy chief of membership and programs at Child Care Aware of America -- said parents and caregivers should also not leave toys around infants.

"In adults they think that a stuffed animal is gonna be comforting for a baby, and unfortunately that can be deadly to a baby," Bennett said.

Bennett also noted that you should make sure to move the infant if they happen to fall asleep in a place other than their crib because of how quickly things can escalate.

"Children should not be sleeping in their car seats, children should not be sleeping in a swing," Bennett said. "They need to you know, if they fall asleep in their highchair...they need to be immediately put into a crib or a playpen."

According to the coalition, it is also beneficial to have your baby sleep in the same room as you so you are able to monitor them while they sleep.